The Bill of Rights: What's really left?

I. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

ACTUAL REALITY: Free speech zones, 501c3 requirements, permits needed to peacefully assemble or protest.


II. A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

ACTUAL REALITY: While permits from the Government are required, the Second Amendment for the most part, still protects an individuals right to possess a firearm, and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home.


III. No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

ACTUAL REALITY: This right remains largely intact.


IV. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

ACTUAL REALITY: Checkpoints, ID stops, self written warrants, personal property seizures, prolonged detentions.


V. No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

ACTUAL REALITY: Many government agencies including the IRS do not recognize fifth amendment rights.


VI. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.

ACTUAL REALITY: Prolonged/indefinite/preventive detentions, “extraordinary renditions”, suspension of habeas corpus.


VII. In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

ACTUAL REALITY: This right remains largely intact.


VIII. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

ACTUAL REALITY: Protections provided by this right are not relevant without the rights given in IV., V., VI. and IX.


IX. The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

ACTUAL REALITY: Protections provided by this right are not relevant without the rights given in IV., V., VI. and VIII.


X. The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

ACTUAL REALITY: Since 1865, it has been shown that the Federal Government has usurped States rights that it deems necessary to enforce federal statutes.




The 2nd Amendment IMHO was implemented to prevent the loss of the other rights mentioned, not to protect itself, although that is also a possible effect.

The Federal Govt's advanced technology makes protecting oneself or their families or properties from them, a moot point. If you think that when the confiscation starts, police will pull up to your door with high powered rifles or machine guns to take them, you are sadly mistaken. It's too late for that scenario to happen.

The Rebels lost that war in 1865.

Last Edited by RU1IM2 on 12/21/2012 10:47 PM